F1 Today | George Russell to get slapped with a penalty while a race in Africa takes a huge step forward
Photo: Race Pictures
Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
GPblog rounds up the biggest news stories of the day as the excitement revs up for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Russell hit hard by PU change: heavy grid penalty confirmed for Singapore
George Russell’s retirement in Bahrain, attributed by Toto Wolff to a power unit failure rather than prolonged safety-car running, forced Mercedes to fit a fresh engine for Singapore.
That change pushes him beyond the season’s allocation of PU components, triggering a heavy grid drop at a circuit where qualifying pace is typically decisive.
That change pushes him beyond the season’s allocation of PU components, triggering a heavy grid drop at a circuit where qualifying pace is typically decisive.
The setback comes as he already trails Kimi Antonelli by 84 points in the standings, though revisions to Marina Bay’s final sector could slightly aid overtaking.
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New African Grand Prix could get the green light for 2030
Rwanda has reportedly reached an agreement to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix as early as 2030, which would mark the sport’s first race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
The planned event centers on a new purpose-built circuit about 40 kilometers from Kigali near Bugesera International Airport, with designs by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz’s firm.
President Paul Kagame has led the push, maintaining dialogue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali after Kigali hosted the FIA’s 2024 General Assemblies and Prize Giving.
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Max Verstappen has a clear solution to F1's issues: 'It fixes so many things'
Verstappen and GP laughed off quite a serious problem (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
Verstappen has been one of the most vocal critics of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, arguing that a return to lighter, naturally aspirated V8 engines, with only a small battery for a push-to-pass, would improve racing and reduce reliance on DRS.
He also lamented a recent software issue that delayed the Bahrain Grand Prix start in Malaysia, calling it a setback for the sport and urging lessons be learned.
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The Dutchman enters Singapore after opening his season with a win at Sepang for Red Bull.
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'Alonso set for a spectacular new adventure alongside Formula 1'
Alonso previously tackled the Dakar Rally in 2020 with Toyota, finishing 13th alongside co-driver Marc Coma, who is set to partner him again.
The plan is to run a Prodrive-built T1+ car, formerly campaigned as the Dacia Sandrider, with revised bodywork and Aston Martin livery, with initial testing possible as early as next week.
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The move follows Alonso’s contract extension with Aston Martin through 2027 and aligns with his history of racing beyond F1, including two Le Mans wins and an Indianapolis 500 entry.
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